Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe

Here’s a delicious and easy Vegan Pasta Salad recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep!

Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 16 ounces short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowties)
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (6 ounces) black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen), diced avocado, or diced pickles for extra flavor.

For the Dressing:

• 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and parsley.

Add Dressing:

• Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Chill and Serve:

• Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, spinach, or artichokes based on your preference.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, mix in some vegan mayonnaise or a dollop of hummus.
• Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Other Vegetables to Add for More Color

1. Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or quartered for sweetness and color.
2. Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, orange) for a vibrant look.
3. Carrots: Shredded or diced for added crunch and sweetness.
4. Cucumbers: Diced for freshness and a crisp texture.
5. Spinach or Kale: Chopped for added greens and nutrients.
6. Radishes: Sliced for a peppery bite and color contrast.
7. Zucchini: Diced or spiralized for extra veggies.

Substituting Italian Dressing with a Homemade Version

Yes, you can easily make a homemade Italian dressing! Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl or shake in a jar until well combined.

Making the Salad More Substantial for a Main Course

To make your vegan pasta salad more filling:

• Add Protein: Incorporate chickpeas, black beans, or lentils for extra protein.
• Include Tofu or Tempeh: Cube marinated tofu or tempeh for added texture and nutrition.
• Use Whole Grain Pasta: Opt for whole grain or high-protein pasta varieties to enhance the nutritional value.

Good Gluten-Free Pasta Options

Here are some gluten-free pasta options you can use:

1. Brown Rice Pasta: A popular gluten-free choice with a similar texture to regular pasta.
2. Quinoa Pasta: High in protein and has a unique flavor.
3. Chickpea Pasta: Made from chickpeas, offering more protein and fiber.
4. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): A low-carb option that adds more vegetables to your salad.

Using Different Types of Protein Like Tempeh or Seitan

Yes, you can definitely use tempeh or seitan as protein sources in your vegan pasta salad:

• Tempeh: Cube and marinate it before adding to the salad for flavor; it adds a nice nutty taste.
• Seitan: This wheat-based protein can be sliced or cubed; it has a chewy texture that mimics meat.

These suggestions will help you customize your vegan pasta salad to suit your preferences while keeping it delicious and satisfying! Enjoy your cooking!

Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing vegan pasta salad at your next gathering!